Metals in Spine

The treatment of spinal disorders requires the consideration of a number of factors and understanding the type of material we are implanting is important. Alloys have different mechanical properties and behave differently under different physiologic conditions. Spinal implants need to have good performance in the characteristics of biofunctionality and biocompatibility. In this review, the alloys titanium, cobalt-chrome, nitinol, and tantalum will be examined closely. Several of the important properties that are considered when selecting an alloy for use in spinal instrumentation are explored and detailed for each. This allows for an assessment and comparison of each alloy and a possible determination of which is the best alloy for specific surgery or the best alloy for use in specific situations.